Alford school raises almost half a million pounds for sports hall project

James Silcocks

The biggest ever fundraising campaign at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Alford has raised almost half a million pounds in just two terms.

The campaign was launched in May 2014 with the target of raising £500,000 by Christmas to go towards the cost of a state of the art new sports centre, which will include a 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, a large sports hall and squash courts.

More than £492,000 has now been raised, which will make a significant contribution towards the £3.4 million overall cost of the sports centre.

Campaign manager Jo Dawson said: “It’s a remarkable achievement to have raised so much in such a short space of time, and we believe this will be a great facility for the local community.”

The impressive amount has been achieved through very generous donations from parents and local businesses.

Headteacher Angie Francis thanked parents and other stakeholders for all their help with the fundraising campaign.

She said: “The amazing amount raised shows the level of commitment our parents have to the school and our future plans.

“We submitted our bid to the government for just under £3 million before Christmas, and can do no more now than cross our fingers that we will be successful.”

Ms Francis added: “We believe that these facilities will benefit the local community as without a good transport infrastructure in Alford it is difficult for many people to get to a swimming pool, and swimming in a coastal area such as ours is a critical life skill.”